ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Squamous cell carcinoma of the jaw located purely in the bone is extremely rare. Most of these intraosseous carcinomas, also called odontogenic carcinomas are thought to arise from the epithelial lining of an odontogenic cyst. CASE REPORT: A primary intraosseous carcinoma arising from an odontogenic cyst in a 64-year-old woman is reported. No subjective symptoms were noted by the patient. Multiple retained teeth with associated presumed cystic lesions were evident in the lower jaw on a routine radiograph. Histology revealed an intraosseous carcinoma after removal of the teeth and "cystectomy". No metastasis was detected. Segmental resection of the mandible, selective neck dissection and reconstruction with an iliac bone graft was performed. The patient is free of disease after 3 years. CONCLUSION: Although primary intraosseous carcinoma is rare, this case emphasizes the importance of careful histological examination of apparently innocuous odontogenic cysts. In addition, as malignant changes in their epithelial lining are always possible, "cystic" lesions should not only be removed but as completely as possible.
